By Paula Pyzik Scott

The official opening of the Bluffton Community Dog Park on Lake St. was held on Sunday, August 24. The event honored Bluffton teacher, heart transplant recipient and dog lover Katrina Riepenhoff, who passed away in 2024. Donations in her honor accelerated the creation of the dog park.

A ribbon cutting ceremony with volunteer organizers as well as Riepenhoff’s parents Joe and Becky celebrated the development of fenced areas for both large and small dogs with water stations. The dog park is located on Lake St. next to the Village Arboretum on the north side of Cobb Lake.

Over the course of two years, volunteer organizers have raised over $50K, which includes over half of the funds needed to add a shade structure. Committee member Kathy Dickson notes that another $10K+ is needed for that amenity. She says, “We are also still receiving gifts for benches and trees in honor or memory of a beloved four-legged friend or human.” Tree planting will begin this fall.

“The committee is grateful to all of our sponsors, including especially the Riepenoffs, and every donor or volunteer along the way; this park truly has met a need in Bluffton and we look forward now to the stages of adding landscaping and planting more trees to build out the green space of the park,” says Dickson.

Ground was broken for the dog park in March 2025 and it has been in use since May. Dickson notes, “We know that the park is getting good use with many dogs and owners coming on a daily or weekly basis.”

The lively event was attended by some 30 dogs including Katrina’s two dogs, Baxter and Tilly. The Riepenoffs hosted a table for Life Connection of Ohio, which provided information on organ donation, dog bandanas and treats. 

Twisted on Wheels made dog cookies, homemade dog treats, and hot dogs in addition to their regular menu.